Impact (Suncoast Society #32)(68)

“I see no reason to change my opinion,” she told the four adults. “This is obviously a suitable home, and I plan to tell the judge that. I talked to Dr. Rahling, and he’s happy with the care Katie’s getting. All the parameters I need to see met are being exceeded.”

“I suspect you can’t tell us the result of your home visit with Santino, can you?” Cris asked.

She smiled. “If the judge asks me for my opinion as to where Katie should be placed, my opinion will be that she should remain with you. Obviously, the mother had her reasons for placing her with you. There is no legal or moral reason for me to rule against the existing custody order.”

Landry knew that was the best she could say under the circumstances, and he’d take the win.

He only hoped it was good enough for Tilly.

Friday morning, the four of them headed to the courthouse with Katie. Dale had suggested they bring her for the adoption part of the hearing.

The judge would likely want to see her anyway.

Landry secretly hoped Cris’ family would eat their hearts out.

Tilly carried Katie in her arms while Loren carried the diaper bag and Cris toted the carrier. When they walked into the waiting room, this time it was only Santino, his wife, Cris’ mother, and their attorney.

Landry didn’t miss the helpless “I tried” shrug the attorney gave Dale Waters.

Louisa Gonzalez wasn’t there yet.

Landry glared at Mariana Guerrero. “Had you only been decent people instead of small-minded ones, we would have been willing to give you visitation. Considering your family’s past history, there’s no way in hell we’ll allow any of you toxic people to be a part of her life.”

“How dare—”

Tilly jabbed a finger at her. “Shut it, woman. You couldn’t stand up to your husband, and you let him throw your only son out of the house. You don’t get a second chance to help f*ck up another child’s life. You chose the wrong side when it came to Cris when he was a kid, and you can’t un-choose.”

When the CPS investigator arrived, Landry pulled Tilly and Cris to the far end of the room and stationed himself and Loren between them and the others.

They didn’t have to wait long. They were ushered in and as soon as they got seated, the judge called in Louisa Gonzalez for her report. Loren remained out in the waiting room with Katie.

Landry suspected if Cris’ mother gave Loren any grief that the older woman might spontaneously combust or something. He couldn’t imagine a fiercer babysitter than Loren.

Except perhaps for June or Eliza, or even Rob’s wife, Laura.

“As I’ve already told both parties,” Louisa Gonzalez said, “I see no reason to object to the original custody order as it stands. While both homes are fit homes, it would seem that Katie’s current guardians are not only doing an excellent job of caring for her, and show every indication of being able to provide that high standard of care for the foreseeable future, but they are also obviously very loving parents with a large, supportive network of friends. With all things being equal, I think the mother’s wishes should be taken into account.”

The judge nodded and turned to Santino’s attorney. “Well? What argument have you brought to me?”

“The family asks that the judge give weight to the fact that Santino Guerrero is the child’s uncle, not her cousin.”

He shook his head. “Is that the best you’ve got?”

“There is precedent to blood relatives getting priority.”

“But in a case like this, where the mother specifically excluded those same blood relatives? Remember, counsellor, the original order was not only voluntary, I talked to the mother here in this very chambers and she listed the reasons to me why she chose the guardians she did.”

“I read the transcript, your Honor.”

“Would you not agree she listed very persuasive arguments?”

“I would, your Honor.”

Landry watched Santino and realized something. He leaned in and whispered it to Dale.

Dale spoke up. “Your Honor, may I ask the petitioner a question?”

“You may.”

Dale looked at Santino. “Mr. Guerrero, where are the funds for your legal fees coming from?”

“Objection—”

“Overruled. I’ll allow it. It speaks to the ability to care for the child.”

Santino deflated. “My father. He’s the one who demanded we do this. But we really do want to adopt her.”

The judge sat back. “Interesting. So, Mr. Guerrero—Santino. If it wasn’t for your father paying for the attorney, would you have filed?”

Santino shook his head. “No, your Honor. We couldn’t have afforded it.”

Landry used every ounce of willpower he had to keep the triumphant smirk off his face.

“So why hadn’t you tried adoption before?” the judge asked.

“We couldn’t afford it.”

“Why wouldn’t your father pay for you to adopt another baby?”

“We…asked. For a loan. He said no.”

“Interesting.” He jotted down some notes. “I’m ready to render my verdict. The petitioner’s motion is hereby denied, in full, with prejudice. Mr. Waters, are you prepared for an adoption today?”